Psychedelic Solutions: Unconventional Exhibition Displays for Rock Posters and 2D Materials from The Summer of Love

Abstract

As museums shift to displaying works on paper in unconventional formats and on a larger scale, conservators are forced to create innovative and possibly untested solutions. This talk will discuss the mounting and installation of over 200 psychedelic rock posters for the exhibition The Summer of Love Experience at the de Young Museum. Since the curator and exhibition designer wanted to display the posters unframed, the paper conservation lab strived to come up with a solution that was safe for the objects but also feasible within the time frame and budget. We tested a variety of mounting methods and materials for different concepts, all of which will be outlined.   This exhibition also included the mounting and installation of a 21’ x 10’ billboard that consisted of fourteen individual screenprints. The goal of this project was to create a safe installation and display method for the billboard. This included treatment to stabilize the artwork and preparation to mount the billboard with hinges and magnets, working closely with the carpenters and mountmaker.   Other challenges in this exhibition included determining how to display posters under flashing lights to simulate animation and creating a case that incorporated different material types such as thick illustration boards, printing plates, and acetate sheets and films. Click on Video link on the right to view presentation